Believe in the sign of Theta

[mecha_eihwaz]

[A new ship appeared in the hangar, right next to Lily's old one. This new one looks similar, but it's much smaller, with just enough place for one person and not much else, and clearly built for speed. And unlike that crashed one, this one works.

And then there's Lily herself. Her robotic parts might've changed, with a more armor-like appearance to her dress, but it's definitely her, wandering all over White Chalice, looking at all the oh-so-familiar places, even if some of them changed a bit in the weeks when she was gone.]

I missed all of this...

White Chalice... I am back.

Comments

[mecha_eihwaz]

Ah...! C, Casshern!

[One would think Lily got used to all the surprise hugs she gets this day. Nope!]

Yes. I wouldn't let something like that kill me. My life... is too worth living.

[notruined]

... yes. It is.

[ For more reasons than she's implying. He finally releases her after a few seconds. ]

You kept your promise.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Of course. Giving your word would be meaningless if you didn't keep it.

[notruined]

[ He's silent for a few momens. But then... well, he has to ask about her other promise. ]

You said before that the Cosmic Ark would be willing to send scientists to study the Ruin. Did you hear anything more about that?

[mecha_eihwaz]

I know some researchers are interested in coming. But...

Earth is too dangerous right now. We need to at least get rid of the Inspectors' threat first.

[notruined]

[ Casshern appeared slightly disappointed, but at the same time, he understood perfectly. ]

Of course. Then... I guess I know what I have to do.

[mecha_eihwaz]

[Nod.] It's my next mission, you could say.

[notruined]

I hate that I have to hurt others to save others. But if that's what it takes...

[mecha_eihwaz]

Please don't let it get to you. The Inspectors deserve to get hurt.

[notruined]

I don't think anybody does.

[mecha_eihwaz]

How else do you want to stop them from causing death and suffering? Sometimes the only way to protect what's close to you is to destroy what threatens it, Casshern...

[notruined]

I know. I just wish things could be different.

[mecha_eihwaz]

We'll make them different.

[notruined]

Do you really believe we can do that?

[mecha_eihwaz]

It won't be easy. And there will always be some evil left in the world.

But yes. We can change it for the better. And we will.

[notruined]

I believe you.